Trbic Case Split from Other Srebrenica Accused

The trial of Trbic's co-accused is due to formally begin on July 14, though it won't get properly underway until after the tribunal's summer break. But prosecutors have asked for Trbic to be tried in Bosnia, instead of The Hague.



In their decision to split Trbic's case, published on June 26, judges said the move would prevent hold-ups for his co-accused while the matter of his possible transfer to Bosnia, and other issues pertaining to his health, are dealt with.



In coming to their decision, the judges also noted that they had the power to order individuals to be tried separately in situations where they consider it necessary "in order to avoid a conflict of interests that might cause serious prejudice to an accused, or to protect the interests of justice".



In a document published last year, prosecutors said Trbic had already implicated several of his co-accused in crimes at Srebrenica in statements to the prosecution and in testimony in previous trial proceedings.



Another individual, Zdravko Tolimir, is included on the same joint indictment as the seven other Srebrenica accused. He remains on the run.